OBETZ, Ohio – Since he was acquired last August, midfielder Romain Gall hasn’t seen the field much with Columbus Crew SC, relegated to a reserve role while players like Ethan Finlay and Justin Meram enjoy breakout success.
Though he only has three league appearances – all of which came last year – the 20-year-old attacking midfielder has plenty on his plate, traveling frequently with United States youth squads while working hard on a daily basis in Columbus. He recently returned from a week-long stint with the U-20 team in Austria, where he scored the game-winner in the team’s 1-0 victory over Croatia.
“The week went well,” he said. “I got back with the team after missing the last camp, and getting the game-winner, I’m obviously happy about that. I was able to deliver when I was called upon, so I’m happy.”
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And after a training session in which Gall impressed head coach Gregg Berhalter by spending several minutes hitting shots past goalkeepers, the Crew SC boss said the team’s focus for Gall is a successful trip to the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will begin late next month in New Zealand.
“We’re looking at this half of a year for him in terms of trying to prepare him for the Under-20 world championships,” Berhalter said. “The first step is making the roster and the second step is doing well there. So we’re preparing him for that.”
Berhalter said he thinks Gall is dealing well with his backup role, part of the learning process for any young player.
“You’ve got to stay focused and stay day-to-day; that’s the job,” Berhalter said. “He’s a pro now, and he knows chances will be difficult to come by at his age given the quality in his position on our squad. You just have to stay focused and each and every day show up.”
Gall said he’s not feeling frustrated with his lack of playing time, and is focusing on training.
“I’m all about hard work,” he said. “I just stay focused and work hard and things will pan out.”
And, after nearly a year with Berhalter and in MLS, he says he can feel himself improving.
“I can see it in myself on the field – even when I’m with the national team – the difference in myself as a player from being here and learning from Gregg and the team,” he said.
Berhalter said the national team has given Gall “game time and sharpness,” and the versatile attacker says he thinks the trips overseas with the group are helping him improve his game back home.
“We have a very competitive group, so the level is really high,” he said. “So when I’m over there and I can perform well, my confidence gets higher. When I come back here I can keep growing on that confidence. So I think it helps me, definitely.”
And while Gall’s spot on the World Cup roster seems certain – he led the US and tied for the tournament lead with five goals at the CONCACAF U-20 Championships this winter – he’s not taking anything for granted.
“I’m just hoping I can make the team and be on the final roster,” he said. “If I can, I’ll be looking forward to it. It’s exciting; it’s something you dream about when you’re a kid.”
